Crude, rude and probably made for teenage boys (or those who have minds like ones 😉 ), Your Highness is a comedy/fantasy film that was widely criticised on its release in 2011. Does it deserve its bad reputation?
The film follows lazy and obnoxious Prince Thadeous (Danny McBride) who lives in the shadow of his brave and dashing brother Prince Fabious (James Franco). When Fabious’ bride Belladonna (Zooey Deschanel) is kidnapped by the evil sorcerer Leezar (Justin Theroux) Thadous joins his brother to rescue Belladonna. Can Thadous proves theres more to him than his cowardly personna?
The film tries to mix stoner comedy with The Princess Bride. However while that film is a classic fairytale comedy Your Highness thinks throwing in swear words or dick jokes will get enough cheap laughs to make the audience happy. Unfortunatly the film’s greatest sin is not it’s use of crude language to get laughs but that it’s jokes are just not funny.
The film’s greatest pull is the supporting actors. James Franco and Natalie Portman (as female warrior Isabel) play their roles straight and look like they are having a ball playing these characters. Its a shame that the film focuses on Thadeous as its protagonist as he’s the least interesting character in the film. Its hard to care about a character so odious and annoying, and he’s not amusing enough for us to enjoy his exploits on the adventure.
I’m sure it was fun for the actors to film. If only I was having as much fun watching it.
Rating 1/5-avoid this film and watch The Princess Bride instead for a proper fantasy/comedy.
mykindofmovie 
I don’t know why but for some reason I like this stupid movie – and I generally HATE McBride.
I can see why some people may think its fun but its just not for me. I do like lots of movies though which I know I shouldn’t. Sometimes they are just so bad they’re good.
Not terrible, just not all that hilarious either. Just somewhere in the middle of being funny, but not too funny, if that at all helps narrow it down. Good review Lauren.
Thanks. I just kept thinking as I was watching it that The Princess Bride did this kind of thing so much better. Of course comparing any film against The Princess Bride is always going to end in a negative review!
Cool review yo.
I saw the trailers for this film and just wasn’t impressed, didn’t look like my cup of tea so I gave it a miss and from the sound of your review I think I did myself a favour. I don’t really like Danny McBride so this film definitely isn’t for me, the only draw back then was Natalie Portman (because I’m in love with her), but it sounds like even she couldn’t save this film from mediocrity.
No even the lovely Natalie Portman can’t save this film, she does her best with what the stuff she has though. I’d like to see her do more comedy roles.